Palm Springs

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A Desert Oasis even in the Summer

A travel journal to Palm Springs by joantri

Palm Springs Tram ViewMore Photos

Palm Springs is for nature lovers, shopping lovers, or just lovers

  • 6 reviews
  • 3 photos

A Desert Oasis even in the SummerBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Indian Canyon
The best place to start is to visit the Palm Springs aerial Tramway which can be an escape from the heat especially in the summer months. The Indian Canyons and Taquitz canyons are also good nature spots to enjoy any time. Otherwise, Palm Springs offers great restaurants and great pools and relaxation amenities. Some of our favorite hotels are the Westin Mission Hills, Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage (only in the summer for a good bargain) and the Marriott Rancho Las Palmas. All offer the true resort experience. There are also great restaurants to enjoy. One of our favorites is Palomino.

Quick Tips:

If you visit in the summer, be aware that many bachelor and bachelorette parties seem to take over the nightlife and the Marriott. Otherwise, you will enjoy a good bargain. Also, the winter months book fast, so visit during the week if possible.

Best Way To Get Around:

Car, car, car is for travel in California!

Westin Mission Hills Resort and SpaBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Westin Mission Hills"

The rooms have vaulted ceilings and views of the golf course, mountains or gardens. The 360 acre hotel resort has walking paths throughout and you can stroll the property at night as it is lit or during the day. They have an activity fee that is included in the price of a room which allows you to use the fitness room with many of the normal fitness equipment. The resort has 3 pools, so if there is a bachelor party at the main pool, you can escape to a smaller pool. All the restaurants are great so you really do not have to leave the property. The resort has great service and everyone remembers your name and greets you. If you are a tennis player, the resort has clay courts too! The best time to visit is during the late summer months when it is very hot, but if you can take the heat, you will have the place to yourself.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by joantri on January 4, 2001

Westin Mission Hills Resort and Spa
71333 Dinah Shore Drive Rancho Mirage, California 92270
760-328-5955

PalominoBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

This is a chain restaurant, but it is consistently good every time we visit. There are many choices from beef to seafood. The ambiance is euro-eclectic with modern light fixtures and a bistro type atmosphere. You will need to make reservations here or anywhere on the weekend as the Palm Springs residents tend to dine out a lot. Also, if you visit during the summer months, some restaurants close, so make sure you call before you leave the hotel.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by joantri on January 4, 2001

Palomino
73-101 Highway 111 Palm Springs, California 92260
(760) 773-9091

Massimo RistoranteBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

The Gasbarris family owns and operates this restaurant and have many long historic family recipes with secret ingredients. They even grow their own herbs. All items on the menu are cooked to order, so this creates a true dining experience. Some of our favorites include the portabello mushroom appetizer, linguine with clam sauce and a shrimp dish special. Everything is fresh and very tasty! You should make a reservation for dinner, but there are a lot of early bird dinner diners.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by joantri on January 4, 2001

Massimo Ristorante
69820 Highway 111 Palm Springs, California 92270
(760) 321-6835

Indian CanyonsBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Indian Canyon"

The Palm Canyon is 15 miles long and is impressive with all the palm trees that contrast to the desert lands that surround it. Andreas Canyon has a creek and picnic tables. The Murray Canyon often has big horn sheep, ponies or other wild animals. This place is a nice escape from the desert and offers a cool place to relax.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by joantri on January 4, 2001

Indian Canyons
South Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, California 92262
+1 760 325 3400

Palm Springs Aerial TramwayBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Tram View
Besides getting to ride the tram to the 8516 feet, you will explore the hiking trails around Mt San Jacinto Park. Tickets are $15-$19, but there is a AAA discount. This is the second highest point in southern California. The clean air (away from LA smog) will allow you to see for miles. There are easy trails and trails that are more challenging (12 miles round trip). The park does have a casual restaurant that offers sandwiches and snacks. You will love the view and capture some great photo opportunities.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by joantri on January 5, 2001

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Tramway Drive Palm Springs, California 92262
+1 760 325 1391

About the Writer

joantri
joantri
seal beach, California

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